In Which Elect People Work at Hospitals, I Laugh a Lot, and Reflect On What I've Learned about Men

Brazil is as alive as ever, and so am I! Even though I disappeared for awhile. Technical difficulties, sorry everyone.

This last week was different, because my companion got rather sick. We stayed at home a lot, which is hard for an antsy-to-work sister missionary, but we also learned a lot.

In the hospital waiting room, I had a neat experience. After about three hours of waiting, watching the crisply-dressed and busy nurses and attendents whisk by, one of them -- a young, pretty woman in her upper 20s -- approached me suddenly.

"Excuse me, I'm just curious, where are you from?" I told her I was American. But this wasn't really her interest. "And...what church do you represent?" Her voice and attitude were almost urgent. I explained quickly that I was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her next simple question thrilled my heart: "Do you have some material of the Church that you could give?"

COM CERTEZA.

I whipped out two pamphlets, she ran off to attend to someone in the office, then returned, eager to hear more. I gave her the pamphlets, explaining briefly what they were about. When she heard a bit about the Plan of Salvation, she pressed me about what we believe about life after death -- and wanted details. I gave a rapid resumão (quick quick summary) of the spirit world, resurrection and judgment, and the three kingdoms of glory. She was satisfied...for now. She took the pamphlets and thanked me. "I'm just feeling a bit lost about religion right now," she explained.

She then had to go, another patient needed her. I got her name and phone number barely in time. She left me alone in the white and green hall, my heart happily thrumming in my chest. Eleitos existem! We are surrounded by people every day who are needing the Gospel. Even the people who maybe we hardly think of as people -- the mailman, the police, the hospital attendent, our never-at-home neighbor...some of these people are hungering for the truth of the restored Gospel. Some of them don't even realize this themselves. Some are actively searching. When you open your mouth and share a precious truth, or invite someone to church or to hear the missionaries, you could be the answer to someone's prayer. And your invite or testimony could change and save a generation of lives.

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Random Brazilian Quote of the Week: "Temos que deixar a realidade ser realista." (We have to let reality be realistic.)

This week I cooked a lot and failed. Alas. But my comp and I laughed a lot at the little rocks that were supposed to be pão de quiejo, and the colorless, thickish blobs that were supposed to be sugar cookies. But that's okay. We ate a lot of them anyway.

No time to write about what I've learned about men. Tune in next time.

I love you all and am so so so grateful for those of you who have been faithful in writing. You raise me up.

MISSIONS ARE THE BESSSSSSSSST

Sister Petty